Volunteers are at front lines of Europe’s response to refugees
"There has been a wave of solidarity to match the wave of refugees," a Hungarian bishop said.
Churches mum, but activists express hopes, concerns after Canadian elections
OTTAWA, Ontario (CNS) — They have written electoral guides, identified national issues, and invited Canadians to vote in the Oct. 19 federal elections, but one day after voters swept Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party to a majority government, most Canadian churches had no official reaction.
Serra’s canonization provides opportunity for dialogue, says speaker
The elevation of Fr. Junípero Serra to sainthood offers important lessons for today’s debates over the treatment of immigrants and other less fortunate people. That was the message of a thoughtful, balanced lecture by author Jeff Campbell on Fr. Serra’s canonization by Pope Francis. The lecture took place Sept. 21 at St. Mary’s Basilica, as part of a week-long celebration surrounding the Franciscan missionary’s canonization. His canonization Sept. 23 was the first to take place in the United States.
Shorter annulment process isn’t about shortcuts, cardinals say
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The reforms to the annulment process introduced by Pope Francis serve only to avoid delays in cases where marriages are clearly not valid, two synod fathers said. Cardinal Lluís Martínez Sistach of Barcelona, Spain, and Cardinal Wilfrid F. Napier of Durban, South Africa, told journalists at a Vatican news conference Oct. 20 that the new process has safeguards against any improper shortcuts.
New pastoral approach does not change doctrine, Australian archbishop says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While Church doctrine must stay unchanged, an Australian archbishop expressed his hope that the Synod of Bishops will the lead the Church to a genuine pastoral approach using a new language of mercy toward families, particularly those in difficult situations.
Canonizing four saints, pope urges people to serve others with joy
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis called on people to replace their thirst for power with the joy of quiet and humble service, as he proclaimed four new saints, including the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. All of Christ’s disciples, especially its pastors, are called to model themselves after Jesus and “suppress our instinctive desire to exercise power over others, and instead exercise the virtue of humility.”
Ukrainian bishops say military struggle must be matched by moral change
"A national house in which harmony and justice, honesty and respect for each person's dignity will reign," the bishops said.
Double vocations celebrations to help laity embrace universal call to holiness
All Saints Day in the Diocese of Phoenix this year will feature a coordinated effort helping English and Spanish-speaking Catholics of all ages embrace their call to holiness.
Seminarian touched by pope’s words
PHILADELPHIA — Closing remarks by the Holy Father during the Festival of Families prompted a Valley seminarian to pause in deep gratitude. An emotional Frank Cicero, who is in his sixth year at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, wept as he spoke about his love for his mother.
Infertility can lead to sadness, broken marriages, Nigerian bishop says
In a childless marriage, some men "become careless with their married life," which can lead to polygamy, adultery or "other abuses in married life," and women become traumatized, he said.
